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In a profession built on caring for others, doctors are speaking out about the silent epidemic of anxiety disorders among healthcare professionals-and urging their peers to seek help, not hide.
The Hidden Struggle
Dr. Darrell Kirch, a renowned psychiatrist and former CEO of the Association of American Medical Colleges, remembers his first major panic attack in medical school: “It was brutal. I thought I was dying.” Like many in medicine, Kirch had battled anxiety since childhood, but the relentless demands of training pushed him to the brink.
He’s far from alone. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health conditions worldwide, affecting 19.1% of U.S. adults, but studies show the rates are even higher among healthcare workers-up to 31% for physicians and over 50% for nurses. The COVID-19 pandemic only intensified these numbers, and while recent research suggests rates have returned to pre-pandemic levels, experts question whether this “normal” is acceptable.
Trauma, Triggers, and the Toll of Medicine
For Dr. Jonathan Fisher, a cardiologist, the trauma of losing a young patient early in his career still lingers decades later. “Those memories always live with us, and they change us,” he says. Such experiences can trigger persistent anxiety, self-doubt, and even panic attacks, especially when compounded by the high-stakes, high-pressure environment of healthcare.
Dr. Karen Wallace, a former general practitioner in the UK, describes years of waking nightly with racing thoughts and self-blame after a patient’s death. “I was working 12-hour days and then working all night with my brain, doing fake clinics through my anxiety,” she recalls.
The Stigma of Suffering
Despite the prevalence of anxiety, many doctors keep their struggles secret, fearing stigma and professional consequences. “There’s a fear that if others find out a physician needs help with their own mental health, maybe they can no longer be trusted to care for others,” Dr. Fisher explains.
Dr. Kirch admits he never told classmates or colleagues about his anxiety until he reached a breaking point. “Why? There’s a one-word answer: Stigma.”
Finding Solutions-and Hope
The good news: With treatment, recovery is possible. After being referred to a psychiatrist, Dr. Kirch graduated near the top of his class and went on to a distinguished career. He manages his anxiety with medication, cognitive strategies, and meditative breathing.
Dr. Fisher built a “personal toolbox” of mindfulness and cognitive behavioral techniques. “I don’t suffer from anxiety anymore,” he says. “There’s a difference between experiencing something and suffering from it.”
For Dr. Wallace, a change in career focus was key to regaining her well-being.
The Most Important Advice: Speak Up
Across the board, doctors and mental health experts agree: The first step is breaking the silence. “Talk about it, even if your voice shakes,” says Dr. Wallace, who now shares her story to help others feel less alone. Dr. Kirch’s message is simple: “If you suffer from anxiety, get proper help. You can thrive, and you will be a better doctor for it. Two words: Reach out.”
Resources
For more on mental health in medicine, see:
Disclaimer:
This article is based on information from Medscape Medical News and related studies. It is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms of anxiety or any mental health concerns, please seek help from a qualified healthcare provider.
